POS0063-PARE PIONEERING HEALTH CENTER FOR RMD PATIENTS BY HELLENIC LEAGUE AGAINST RHEUMATISM (KAVALA BRUNCH)
Authors: T. Makidou, G. Foteinopoulos, A. Lygera, S. Foteinopoulou, G. Kabatzi, M. Kostaki, A. Emmannouilidou, G. Efthymiou, E. Kostoglou, N. Paraschaki, A. Nasi, T. Temekonidis, P. Kitsos, M. Kontostoli, K. Antonopoulou, A. Pappa, N. Malliou, S. Argyriadoy
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2023)

<h3>Background</h3> It is common ground, especially in rural and semi-rural areas, that Rheumatic Diseases (RD) patients are, usually, treated by the health and social care system as "consumers" rather than "partners". Moreover, the same system restricts specialized professionals (occupational-therapists, physiotherapists, etc.), of the proper exercise of their duties, that is providing psychological and social support to the patients. <h3>Objectives</h3> The creation of a pioneering health center for RMD patients, with patient – centered structure, free of charge, with access to a variety of services and supported by a multidisciplinary team of volunteers. <h3>Methods</h3> Τhe health center is staffed by 18 persons. They are 14 health professionals in general medicine, rheumatology, physiotherapy, psychiatry, nutrition, occupational therapy, nursing, gymnastics, social working, pedo-physiotherapy and 4 for secretariat. They are all working voluntarily. The services provided by HELAR/ELEANA's branch in Kavala in the pioneering Health Center are: A. Assistance to RMD patients by informing and guiding providing psychological support consulting about professional re-orientation providing healthcare with medication B. Raising awareness about the importance of RD's to the general public and all competent agencies and stakeholders C. Promoting research for better understanding and treatment of RMDs. The team adopts an integrated, comprehensive approach with patients' autonomy, values and expectations at its core. <h3>Results</h3> During the period 13/11/22 - 23/12/22, 68 patients were examined by the team, 61 females (average age 63.29 (sd=4.9) and 7 males average age 66.7 (sd=6.4). 42 out of the total were from Chrisoupolis, with basic education level, and low economic status. According Arithmetical Pain Scale (NRS) males scored average 6.71 (sd1.1) and females 6.33 (sd=1.4). Analysis showed a strong correlation between pain and rigidity (p=0.001). More than 3 specialists were used for every patient. Αll patients had a follow-up visit and are still being followed up by our team. <h3>Conclusion</h3> The pioneering Health Center of HELAR/ELEANA offers its services to patients whose medical needs can be met within the capability of its staff and facilities. The population served at Health Center includes all ages regardless of national or ethnic origin, economic status, lifestyle, creed, or philosophical beliefs. Patients can expect appropriate procedures, treatments, interventions and care will be provided according to established policies, procedures, protocols and order sets that have been developed to ensure patient safety and positive outcomes. Appropriateness of procedures, treatments, interventions, and care are based upon patient assessments, re-assessments, and desired outcomes. Respect for patient individual needs, rights and confidentiality are maintained. The scientific evaluation of the effects of RMDs will help us to improve their clinical picture as a whole. Future use of specific tools and scales is expected to be implemented to measure broader and more specific indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of Health Center's services. <h3>Acknowledgements</h3> In this effort, we were granted institutional support from Nestos' Municipality, providing us with the building and covering all the fixed costs. <h3>Disclosure of Interests</h3> None Declared.